Spoke wheel protector
A Spoke Seal Protector that comprises a visually pleasing outer shape with an internal cavity, where the internal cavity has a lower portion shaped complimentary to the industry standard wheel adjusters on the wheel spokes of either motorcycles, bicycles, or other motor conveyances using spoked wheels. The Spoke Seal Protector is adhered onto the spoke adjustor and the internal cavity encases the spoke adjuster. Spring clips may be secured on the adjuster nut and frictionally bear against the spoke seal protector, or the spring clips may be secured on the spoke seal protector and frictionally bear against the adjuster nut. The spoke seal protector and adjustor nut may additionally have a knurled surface to provide additional fiction to secure the spoke seal protector to the adjustor nut. A common automotive or industry sealant can also be placed in the lower counterbored portion of the Spoke Seal Protector and “glue” the Spoke Seal Protector to the spoke adjuster nut and additionally create an environmental seal between the components.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is an improvement of U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,852 by Steven Mason dated Jul. 8, 2003, U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,694 B2 dated Nov. 28, 2006, and patent application Ser. No. 11/901,168 dated Sep. 27, 2007. This new improved invention relates to a device that protects the spoke adjuster nuts and the wheel rim areas of spoked wheels from the intrusion of foreign objects such as dirt, where the improvement is the addition of a retaining clip similar to internal and/or external e-clips. By adding this device to spoked wheels, they will enhance the functionality of the spoke adjusting areas of the wheel rims by increasing the life span of the spoked wheels and also provide a decorative addition to the spoked wheel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of devices to protect the adjustment areas of wheel spokes is known in the prior art.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,852 by Steven Mason (the inventor of the current invention) reveals a wheel spoke adjuster guard that comprises a pleasing outer appearance with an internal cavity complementary to the wheel adjuster nuts on the wheel spokes of a wheel. The adjuster guard has means to lock the guard onto a wheel spoke, preventing unwanted motion.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,694 B2 by Steven Mason (the inventor of the current invention) reveals an improvement on the U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,852 patent. This patent reveals a wheel spoke adjuster guard that comprises a pleasing outer appearance with an internal cavity complementary to the wheel adjuster nuts on the wheel spokes of a wheel. The improved adjuster guard is threaded onto a modified spoke adjuster and bears against the tire rim of the vehicle, locking the wheel spoke adjuster guard into place, preventing unwanted motion.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,050 by Soder et al., discloses “Beads for Bicycle Wheel Spokes.” The principle purpose of this invention is to provide visual and audible effects while the wheel is being used. This invention discloses a bead that is free to move along the length of the spoke, which then creates a pleasing visual effect. This invention is specifically related to the creation of a visual effect and an audible noise.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,099 by Klein, discloses a “Wheel Spoke Adjuster Guard.” This invention is a two-piece device that is snapped together around the adjuster lug portion of the spoked wheel.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,558,423 by Dobrosky, discloses “A Spoke Ornament for Bicycle Wheels.” This device uses tubular sections in unison, where when connected together, have interlocking key areas that prevent any one element from being dislodged from the spoke. This invention is ornamental in concept. When attached to a bicycle wheel, the alternating colors create alternating bands of color while the wheel is moving.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,269,670 by Kieckbusch, discloses a “Balance Weight.” This invention is used to balance motorcycle wheels inexpensively, easily and simply.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,801,883 by Peters, discloses “High Visibility Reflective Tubing for Bicycle Wheels.” This invention is to create a highly reflective area of a bicycle rim in order to enhance the bicyclist's visibility in low light and bad weather conditions.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,906,050, 2,558,423, and 5,801,883 contain no teaching or suggestion that they may be used to attach to the lug area of spoked wheels and prevent the intrusion of foreign materials. They specifically teach the art of either enhancing the visibility of the operator, or making a pleasing sound.
The prior art teachings and patents do not include the retaining devices that have been incorporated into the current invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the invention to create a device that can protect the adjusting lug areas, the threaded end of the spoke, and the wheel rim holes of spoked wheel assemblies from the intrusion of foreign materials such as dirt.
The improvement from the previous invention uses a positive retaining system that is either mounted onto the wheel spoke adjuster guard, or mounted onto the wheel adjuster nut.
One retaining system method is to provide a cavity or slot that is shaped to secure the retaining system in the Spoke Seal Protector. The retaining clip would then either frictionally hold the Spoke Seal Protector in place, or a slot within the adjuster nut would positionally lock the Spoke Seal Protector into position.
Another retaining system method is to provide a cavity or slot that is shaped to secure the retaining system onto the adjuster nut. The retaining system would then either frictionally hold the Spoke Seal Protector in place, or a slot within the Spoke Seal Protector would positionally lock the Spoke Seal Protector into position.
Another retaining system method is to shape the adjuster nut and provide a complimentary shape to the Spoke Seal Protector. One shape would be conical, where the base of the cone would face the wheel rim. The Spoke Seal Protector would have a similar shaped cavity, but the base of the cone on the wheel nut would be slightly wider than the ledge of the Spoke Seal Protector, which is formed within the interior portion of the Spoke Seal Protector. An elastomeric, or plastic type of material would assist in securing the Spoke Seal Protector in place by creating a tight secure fit between the Spoke Seal Protector cavity and the adjuster nut shaped portion. A gasket may be placed at the interface between the Spoke Seal Protector and the wheel rim to prevent scuffing damage to the wheel rim, and to provide additional debris and moisture intrusion protection.
Another system that can be incorporated into the design is texturing or knurling a portion of the adjuster nut and the Spoke Seal Protector. This would create a tight frictional interface between the adjuster nut and the Spoke Seal Protector. This texturing can be used alone or with other retaining methods to secure the Spoke Seal Protector.
It is another object of the invention to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the spokes and the wheel.
Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings accompanying the patent.
Although the foregoing includes a description of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, various modifications are contemplated.
As various modifications could be made in the constructions herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.
With respect to figures one and two, a wire wheel assembly (1) is shown. Figures one and two reveal the wire wheel assembly (1) and an outer tire mounting rim (2) or wheel rim. The wheel rim (2) has a cross sectional shape that is common in the wheel industry as shown in
The wire spokes (8) have an end (22), the end having an externally threaded portion (24). The externally threaded portion (24) of each wire spoke (8) threadably engages each adjuster nut (16), tensioning each wire spoke (8). Each adjuster nut (16) is adjusted to provide the correct tension on each wire spoke (8) making a balanced wheel assembly (1).
A Spoke Seal Protector (26) is shown in
Interposed at the opposing end (36) of the spoke seal protector (26) is a gasket (4). The gasket (4) is used to create a moisture and debris barrier to minimize and potentially eliminate intrusion into the counterbored portion (34) of the spoke seal protector (26). An additional benefit of the gasket (4) is that the gasket (4) prevents any sealant from leaking from the counterbored portion (34) of the spoke seal protector (26), thereby eliminating any mess from sealant leakage.
The following disclosures will illustrate the various methods that may be used to secure the spoke seal protector (26) onto the adjustor nut (16).
The first disclosed method to secure the spoke seal protector (26) onto the adjuster nut (16), is illustrated in figures two, three and four. The spoke seal protector (26) has a groove (6) defined therein. The groove (6) allows the use of a retaining clip (18). The retaining clip (18) may be a standard in the automotive industry, and is used in a similar fashion. The retaining clip (18) frictionally bears against the nut adjuster (16) securing the spoke seal protector (26) in the desired position on the wire spoke (8).
The spoke seal protector (26) is positioned onto the wire spoke (8). The spoke seal protector (26) is slid towards the adjuster nut (16). The spoke seal protector (26) has a lower surface (36), where the lower surface (36) contacts the bearing surface (12) or the wheel rim (2). Sealants based upon silicone, polysulfide, and rubber are a few examples of high performance automotive or industrial sealants that may be used, and also act as a glue, to prevent unwanted dislocation of the spoke seal protector (26) when it is placed in it's final position. The sealant fills the cavity between the spoke seal protector (26) and the wire spoke (8) and the adjuster nut (16), providing a strong environmental seal between the spoke seal protector (26) and the wheel rim (2).
Although the drawings reveal geometric shapes, the inventor also envisions other shapes, such as toy cars, Disney® figurines, animal shapes or other similar shapes as alternate shapes that may be used for spoke seal protectors (26). These shapes would have a hole defined therethrough to assure that the surface mating with the wheel rim (2) has a fit that is as intimate as possible.
Claims
1. A spoke seal protector, comprising:
- a. an exterior surface, said exterior surface having a top and a bottom defined thereon, said top of said exterior surface having a hole defined therethrough, said hole being linear and exiting through said bottom of said exterior surface;
- b. said hole having a lower counterbored portion, said lower counterbored portion penetrating said bottom of said exterior surface, said lower counterbored portion being positioned in proximity of said bottom of said exterior surface, said lower counterbored portion being adapted to allow a clearance fit to a spoke adjuster; and
- c. a retaining means, said retaining means securing said spoke seal protector onto a wheel rim.
2. The spoke seal protector of claim 1, wherein a common automotive or industrial sealant is placed within said lower counterbored portion and is used to adhere said spoke seal protector to the spoke adjuster and creates an environmental seal thereby.
3. The spoke seal protector of claim 1, wherein said spoke seal protector has a lower surface, said lower surface is shaped to intimately contact a bearing surface on a tire rim.
4. The spoke seal protector of claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises a retaining clip, said retaining clip is positioned in said spoke seal protector, said spoke seal protector has a groove defined in said lower counterbored portion, said retaining clip being secured in said groove and frictionally bearing against said adjuster nut.
5. The spoke seal protector of claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises a retaining clip, said retaining clip is positioned in said adjuster nut, said adjuster nut has a groove defined therein, said retaining clip being secured in said groove and frictionally bearing against said spoke seal protector.
6. The spoke seal protector of claim 1, wherein said retaining means comprises:
- a. said counterbored portion of said spoke seal protector having an upper portion, said upper portion of said counterbored portion having an arrow shaped cavity defined therein, said adjuster nut is adapted to have a complimentary arrow shaped section, said complimentary arrow shaped section being biased towards an upper portion of said adjuster nut, said complimentary arrow shaped section and said arrow shaped cavity has a clearance defined there between, permitting said spoke seal protector to slip over said adjuster nut; and
- b. a shaped grommet is provided to be secured in said upper portion of said arrow shaped cavity, said shaped grommet providing an interference fit between said arrow shaped cavity and said arrow shaped section creating a snug fit there between, said shaped grommet creating a small ledge thereby, and allowing said arrow shaped section of said adjuster nut to bear against said ledge when said spoke seal protector is installed.
7. The spoke seal protector of claim 1, wherein said retaining means comprises:
- a. said upper portion of said counterbored portion of said spoke seal protector has a tubular-in-shape said upper portion of said adjuster nut, an arrow shaped section defined thereon positioned below said arrow shaped section, a series of projecting serrations are provided, said arrow shaped section and said projecting serrations being biased towards an upper portion of said adjuster nut, said arrow shaped section and said projecting serrations being sized to frictionally bear against said tubular shape of said spoke seal protector; and
- b. a grommet is provided to be situated between said spoke seal protector and a wheel rim providing a moisture and debris barrier thereby, a sealant may additionally be inserted into said counterbored portion of said spoke seal protector.
8. The spoke seal protector of claim 1, wherein said retaining means comprises:
- a. a series of prongs, said spoke seal protector has a series of cavities defined therein, said series of prongs are inserted within said series of cavities defined within said spoke seal protector, said series of prongs frictionally bear against said adjuster nut when installed onto a wire wheel assembly.
9. The spoke seal protector of claim 1, wherein said retaining means comprises:
- a. at least one retaining rod being secured within said spoke seal protector, said spoke seal protector has a circular hole defined therein, said retaining rod is slip fit within said circular hole into said spoke seal protector, said retaining rod may penetrate through the exterior of said spoke seal protector, said retaining rod penetrates through said hole in the spoke seal protector and creates a restricted area there between, creating a friction fit between said retaining rod(s), and said adjuster nut, positionally securing said spoke seal protector.
10. The spoke seal protector of claim 9, wherein said adjuster nut further has flat areas defined therein, said flat areas secure said retaining rod(s) and hence said spoke seal protector thereon.
11. The spoke seal protector of claim 1, wherein said retaining means comprises:
- a. said upper portion of said counterbored portion of said spoke seal protector has an arrow shaped cavity defined therein, said adjuster nut having a complimentary arrow shaped section, said complimentary arrow shaped section being biased towards an upper portion of said adjuster nut, said arrow shaped section and said arrow shaped cavity define a clearance therebetween, allowing said spoke seal protector to slip over said adjuster nut, a small ledge is maintained on said spoke seal protector securing said arrow shaped section of said adjuster nut; and
- b. said lower counterbored portion of said spoke seal protector has a knurled surface defined thereon, said spoke adjuster nut, has a complimentary knurled surface defined thereon, said knurled surface on said spoke seal protector and the complimentary knurled surface on said adjuster nut create a positive frictional fit securing said spoke seal protector in place on the wire wheel assembly.
12. The spoke seal protector of claim 1, wherein said retaining means comprises:
- a. said spoke seal protector having a groove defined therein, said groove secures a retaining clip in place, said lower counterbored portion of said spoke seal protector has a knurled surface defined thereon, said adjuster nut has a complimentary knurled surface defined thereon to frictionally lock said spoke seal protector against said adjuster nut, said adjuster nut is provided with a series of prongs, said series of prongs extend outwards from said adjuster nut and bear against the hole in said spoke seal protector.
13. The spoke seal protector of claim 12 wherein said complimentary knurled surface on said adjuster nut is a separate knurled component frictionally biased towards the wheel rim and securely placed on said adjuster nut.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 3, 2008
Publication Date: Apr 8, 2010
Inventor: Steven Mason (Ontario, CA)
Application Number: 12/286,945
International Classification: B60B 21/06 (20060101);